Messi equals Raul's Champions League record

AMSTERDAM: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi equalled Real Madrid legend Raul as the top goalscorer in the history of the Champions League on 71 goals after scoring twice against Ajax on Tuesday.

The Argentine headed Barca in front in the Dutch capital nine minutes before half-time and then prodded home Pedro Rodriguez’s low cross to match Raul’s mark in his 90th appearance in the competition 15 minutes from time.

Messi now leads Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo by one goal after the Portuguese failed to find the net against Liverpool on Tuesday.

The four-time World Player of the Year made his Champions League debut against Udinese in 2004 and has won the Champions League three times with Barca in 2005-06, 2008-09 and 2010-11.

Raul scored his 71 goals from 142 appearances for Madrid and Schalke, also winning the competition three times with Los Blancos. AFP